A nurse is caring for a client who is 4 hours postoperative following a total knee arthroplasty. The client reports a pain level of 3 on a scale from 0 to 10. Which of the following nonpharmacological pain management therapies should the nurse recommend?

Choice A reason: Asking why the client wants notes may seem dismissive, not addressing legal rights; stating notes are excluded is correct. Assuming curiosity is the focus risks alienating the client, critical to avoid in ensuring respectful, compliant handling of medical record requests in psychotherapy.

Choice B reason: Stating no benefit from notes is judgmental, not addressing legal access; notes are typically excluded from records. Assuming benefit assessment is appropriate risks undermining autonomy, critical to prevent in ensuring ethical, client-centered responses to psychotherapy record requests in mental health care.

Choice C reason: Therapist’s notes are often excluded from releasable records under HIPAA, as they are personal process notes. This response is legally accurate, critical for compliance, ensuring client rights to records while protecting therapeutic notes, supporting ethical practice in mental health clinic settings.

Choice D reason: Asking about treatment satisfaction deflects from the records request; stating notes are excluded is accurate. Assuming dissatisfaction is the issue risks miscommunication, potentially reducing trust, critical to avoid in ensuring clear, compliant responses to client requests for psychotherapy notes.

Choice A reason: Decreased bowel sounds 6 hours post-hysterectomy are expected due to anesthesia and surgical manipulation, typically resolving within 24-48 hours. Urinary output of 75 mL in 3 hours is more urgent. Assuming bowel sounds require reporting risks overlooking critical renal issues, potentially delaying intervention in postoperative care.

Choice B reason: Urinary output of 75 mL in 3 hours (25 mL/hour) is below the expected 30-50 mL/hour, indicating potential renal compromise or obstruction post-hysterectomy, requiring immediate reporting. This ensures timely intervention, critical for preventing acute kidney injury, ensuring fluid balance, and supporting recovery in postoperative clients.

Choice C reason: A pain level of 4 is moderate and manageable with routine analgesics, not requiring immediate provider reporting compared to low urinary output. Assuming pain is urgent risks misprioritizing, potentially delaying critical interventions for renal issues, essential for ensuring comprehensive postoperative care and client stability.

Choice D reason: Scant dark red drainage is expected 6 hours post-hysterectomy, indicating minor surgical oozing, not requiring immediate reporting. Low urinary output is priority. Assuming drainage is concerning risks diverting focus from renal complications, critical for preventing kidney injury and ensuring safe recovery in postoperative clients.